The Family Resource Guide...

Table of Contents

A Guide of Medical, Developmental, Therapeutic, Educational, Support, and Recreational Services Allegheny County in Southwestern Pennsylvania for Children with Medical and Developmental Needs

Foreword
             

Introducing the Information Collaborative


Acknowledgments             
         


Important Phone Numbers for Residents of Southwestern PA (outside of Allegheny County)


Section 1  First Steps for Families
     A few suggestions and a little encouragement - particularly for new parents, caregivers, and families of
     children with special needs.  Includes some practical advice by the mother of a toddler with medical and
     developmental needs, and some helpful reading resources.
 
Section 2  Developmental Supports and Services
     A look at the early childhood years and the typical patterns of a child's development.  Explains the concept
     of "Early Intervention" and its importance for a child who shows signs of developmental delay. Includes
     indexes of providers of public and non-public Early Intervention, rehabilitation services, and developmental
     assessment.

 
Section 3  Medical Insurance and Benefits
    A review of medical insurance, from private insurance to managed care programs.  Explains Medical
     Assistance (MA) and how to obtain an MA Access Card.  Other helpful programs and benefits highlighted
     include:  the Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP), the Early  Periodic Screening Diagnosis
     Treatment (EPSDT), the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) of Pennsylvania, Social Security, and
     Supplemental Security Income (SSI).


Section 4  Medical Care
     Provides direction on how to find a pediatric specialist and health care facility.  Lists a patient's rights and
     responsibilities, and explains how to obtain medical records.  Addresses the following health care topics
     (and corresponding providers):  Critical Care, Home Health Care, Immunizations, Medical Screenings,
     Dental Care, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Medical Equipment, and Rehab Technology Services.
     Offers tips on how to talk to your child's physician, and how to handle a child's stay in the hospital.


Section 5  Educational Services
     Provides information on educational rights and services for children with medical and developmental needs.
     Highlights the "special education" process, emphasizing the importance of a child's Individual Education
     Plan (IEP) and what the IEP should include.  Directs parents and guardians to agencies and advocates that
     can help answer their questions and concerns, and offers lists of providers of public and private education
     for children from preschool to adulthood.  Also looks at the "Transition" process as a student prepares for
     adult life.


Section 6  Family Support Services
     This chapter looks at various supports for families, and how advocates and social workers can assist
     families and show them the kind of help that is available.  Many agencies offer basic supports, such as
     information and referral, while others have more extensive services. The Family Support  Services (and
     respective service providers) highlighted here include: Support Groups; Psychological Counselors; Respite
     Care; Recreation, Play, and Camps; Transportation; Residential Care; and Legal Supports and Advocates.
     Children's and families' legal rights are addressed.  Also included is information about Family Support
     Service (FSS) Funds and other benefits some agencies offer to eligible families.


Appendix A  Alphabetical Listing of Service Providers
     A description of the services offered by each provider in the directory.
 
Appendix B  Glossary
     Definitions and acronyms of the various medical, educational, and disability-related terms that are used in
     the guide.
 
Appendix C  Keeping Medical Records
     Sample Medical Record Forms.

Appendix D   Information Update, Revision, and Suggestion Form
    This form is for individuals and agencies who want to update and revise current information and services in
     this edition, or provide new information that can be placed on the book's website or in the second edition.


Appendix E   Resource Guide Order Form
     This order form is for any family or professional who would like a copy of The Family Resource Guide, and
     for agencies and other groups that would like to distribute copies to clients and staff.  The books are
     provided free of charge.